Is "Chef Giuseppe" the Italian guy who use to be a La Pizza in sanlitun? If its the same guy then I would definitely not go there. One time I went to La Pizza with some friends because of them was given a gift coupon. We confirmed with the waiter upon arrival that we can use it but 10 minutes later this big Italian guy comes over and tells us that we cannot use the coupon. He proceeds to yells at us when we ask why, effectively throwing us out of his restaurant. Of course we leave after such crazy and erratic treatment and swear to never eat at any restaurant associated with that man again.
Da Giuseppe: Serving Authentic Italian at Gongti
Da Giuseppe replaces the twice-unsuccessful Hungarian restaurant Budapest. And with pizza, finally, this apparently cursed space has a formula that might work. Best known for his work at La Pizza, Chef Giuseppe de Stefano is in the kitchen and all over the logo. His pizza better be good.
Actually, it’s great, although Italian friends tell me they still prefer La Pizza. Da Giuseppe’s pizza is much crustier, which I think is a good thing. The toppings are fresh and the flavors pop out – those basil leaves on your pizza aren’t just dressing. A 33cm Margherita is RMB 58, with most other pizzas RMB 68-88. We also tried the Diavola, which, though spicy, wasn’t overpoweringly rich or greasy. Start your meal with the arancini (RMB 28), balls of rice mixed with tomato sauce and ground meat, rolled in breadcrumbs and deep fried. Since it’s still quiet, it’s hard to judge Da Giuseppe on atmosphere or feel. Fine. I’m happy to judge the place on its pizza.
Standout dishes: Margherita pizza, arancini
Also try: La Pizza, Pizza by LMPlus
Da Giuseppe Daily 10.30am-2.30pm, 5.30-10pm. 2/F, Bldg 6, China View, Gongti Donglu, Chaoyang District (151 0156 8183, 186 0088 2350) 朝阳区工体东路中国红街6号楼2层
Click here to see the March issue of the Beijinger in full.
Photos: Judy Zhou
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miclac1's review of Da Giuseppe's is a joke!!! For one Annie's is horrible for every dish there! I didn't try Da Giuseppe's pizza, but everything I did try was amazing. Very authentic and I have to say the best Italian food I have had in my 6 years in Beijing. For one it is a real Italian chef unlike every other place who hire Chinese chefs to cook Italian food. I mean really Annies??? At least compare it with a non franchise restaurant. Go to Da Giuseppe's and tell me if I'm wrong!!! The FOOD was wonderful!!!
I was not very impressed with the food at all. The pizza was not even as good as an Annie's pizza. There were not enough toppings and it had an odd buttery taste, not like olive oil. I found the food to be too salty as well. They did have an extensive choice of toppings and they had a good selection of calzones as well but it just wasn't worth the price.
The atmosphere is pretty decent but otherwise I would rather just go to Annies.
And no, I do not work for Annies I just think they are a good place to compare to.